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E ionian augmented scale on bass guitar
E ionian augmented is E, F♯, G♯, A, B♯, C♯, D♯. Box 1 places the root at string 2 fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the E ionian augmented scale on bass?
E ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the E string at fret 0 and the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 3 | A, B♯ |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B♯ on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 4 | B♯, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 5 | A, B♯ |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 6 | B♯, C♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
E ionian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from B♯ on the E string at fret 8 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 9, 11 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 11 | B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9, 11 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
E ionian augmented in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the E string at fret 12 and the D string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13, 14 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
E ionian augmented raises the fifth of E major from B to B♯, creating an augmented 5th from the root. The scale keeps the major 3rd, major 6th, and major 7th of E major. The raised fifth also produces a diminished 5th between F♯ and B♯.
When to use it
E ionian augmented fits E augmented and E augmented major 7th chords. Use it over E augmented or E augmented major 7th in jazz or fusion lines. The leading tone D♯ pulls strongly to E.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 0–3 with the root on string 2 fret 2, giving easy access to the low E.
Common questions
What notes are in E ionian augmented?
E ionian augmented contains E, F♯, G♯, A, B♯, C♯, and D♯. The B♯ is the raised fifth. The scale also includes a major 7th.
Which chords does E ionian augmented fit?
E ionian augmented fits E augmented and E augmented major 7th chords. The raised fifth matches the augmented chord's fifth. The major 7th adds colour.
What is the difference between E ionian augmented and E major?
E ionian augmented raises the fifth degree of E major from B to B♯. This creates an augmented 5th interval from the root. The other notes remain the same.